I belong to a lunch bunch who meets monthly for friendship and a good meal at a local restaurant. Several months ago, conversation began about Swedish author Margareta Magnusson’s book on “death cleaning.” I hadn’t heard of it (“The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning”), but it piqued my interest as it did for many in the group, as all of us struggle with purging and decluttering.
One of my now-grown sons will occasionally drop hints about my need to sort through my boxes of stuff: He doesn’t want any of his artwork from 1st grade. But what about the poetry he wrote in 6th grade? As I age, I haven’t mastered this decluttering process with all its physical and psychological consequences, but I remain open to all opportunities.
A Joyous Read
Her viewpoint is very reassuring in that it isn’t necessary to acquire a plethora of so-called youthful products to stave off the inevitability of aging. Better to focus on your blessings rather than your burdens. By doing so, your attitude will remain positive and your outlook optimistic. Don’t worry so much; be happy.Her words of wisdom are culled from her decades of living. She uses her memory bank as the springboard to get us started living our best lives, whether we’re in our 40s, 80s, or beyond.
Magnusson shares her life experiences as a wife, mother, and artist raising five children and doing so with as much heart as she could give. As she spent a lot of her adult time living abroad from her native Sweden, she recounts making their homes in Singapore, Hong Kong, and Annapolis, Maryland. She looks back, usually fondly, on instances such as embarrassment over learning a new language—English didn’t come easily for her—and coping with the nuances of different cultures.
She shares a full life from her days as a young girl growing up in a village on the west coast of Sweden, and what it was like to be in neutral Sweden during World War II. For the most part, she led an idyllic childhood.
She reflects on a myriad of topics from parenthood, education, art, and worldwide catastrophic events. Throughout, she offers the perspective of age and appeals to younger generations to leave the world a better place, to hang on to hope, and to take action for the sake of future generations.
This book is witty and wry. Magnusson admits that not all of her advice is particularly Swedish. She laughingly doesn’t advocate for a polar swim in the North Sea as a requirement for aging well. Nor do you need to add ground-up reindeer horn to your morning muesli.
Learn to Say ‘Yes’
Magnusson stresses that throughout her 80-some years of living, there were always indicators that the world was going to end for some reason or another. Despite this constant gloom, she is still vertical and holding on to her sense of humor, albeit admitting that, as individuals, we can always do more. She’s learned that over time, and suggests keeping in communication with friends (preferably over a gin and tonic), engaging in lots of volunteering (there’s so much joy received in giving of yourself in different situations), making sure that you are taking care of something or someone other than yourself (a pet or even a favorite plant), and surrounding yourself with people of all ages, particularly children who often have profound and funny things to say and “big children” (adults) who always appreciate being listened to.Oh, and remember: no complaining.
And, in terms of one’s physical health and outer appearance, Magnusson encourages good hair, wearing stripes, eating chocolate, and, above all, don’t fall.
She’s also an artist; the book is filled with simple line drawings that enhance the text and give readers a taste of her creativity and humor.
With Magnusson there are no ends, just a series of new beginnings regardless of your age. Be open, embrace new situations, stick to a routine that keeps you grounded as you age, learn to say “yes” instead of “no,” and smile.
Magnusson’s collection of life anecdotes cleverly crafted into the art of aging well is a delightful little read. You’ll close the book smiling and feeling better for having read it. No doubt you’ll want to pass it on to a good friend.
